ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECT OF FEUL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON THE FAMILY IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS

This study investigated the effects of fuel subsidy removal on families in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State, focusing on educational and healthcare expenditures, daily household spending, and employment opportunities in small businesses and the informal sector. The research was guided by three objectives: to analyze the implications of fuel subsidy removal on educational and healthcare expenditures, to examine its effects on daily household expenditures, and to assess how it has reduced employment opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs and informal sector workers. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected from 348 respondents out of 400 respondents across six wards of Bauchi Metropolis: Makama A, Makama B, Dan Iya, and Hardo. The respondents were selected using a stratified sampling technique, and data were gathered through a structured questionnaire employing a five-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that fuel subsidy removal significantly increased household spending on transportation, education, and healthcare. Families reported reductions in educational investment, difficulty accessing quality healthcare, and increased reliance on self-medication. Daily household expenditures on food, transportation, and non-essential items rose markedly, causing financial strain. Furthermore, small businesses and informal sector workers faced increased operational costs, leading to layoffs, reduced youth employment opportunities, and a rise in business closures. These results underscore the multidimensional impact of fuel subsidy removal on household welfare, highlighting both economic and social consequences. The study concluded that fuel subsidy removal adversely affects family well-being by increasing living costs, limiting access to education and healthcare, and constraining employment opportunities, particularly in the informal sector. It is recommended that policymakers implement targeted social safety nets, support programs for small businesses and informal workers, and gradual fuel policy adjustments to mitigate the negative effects on vulnerable households. The study contributes to understanding the household-level consequences of macroeconomic policy changes and provides evidence to guide interventions aimed at enhancing socio-economic resilience in Bauchi Metropolis. Keywords: Fuel subsidy removal, household expenditures, education, healthcare, employment opportunities.